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Post by PamA on Apr 29, 2005 14:59:52 GMT 1
Part 1
Jack was suspicious. It would be wrong of him to assume that Ria was up to no good when he had no reason, apart from instinct, to accuse her of being anything other than concerned about Nathan and Tasha’s welfare. But the underlying question of what she was doing in Letherbridge when she was supposed to be in Chester, nagged away at his mind like a mouse nibbling on a piece of cheese. He’d really begun to believe that he and Helen might live happily ever after; that Ria would give up her wild idea that they could ever be a couple again. Of course, he knew that wherever Ria was she would make it as difficult as possible for him to see the children, but that was a fight he was prepared to go to any lengths for. For now, though, he had to think about the future, and Helen, and put all thoughts and suspicions about Ria out of his mind. “Penny for them”. A voice suddenly said from behind him. He turned and came face to face with George. “You look miles away”, she added looking at him in a questioning manner. “Just thinking of things I have to do”, Jack said with a smile. “What brings you here?” “Thought I’d drop in and see how Nathan and Tasha are doing. I’m between home visits and had to go past the hospital, so it seemed opportune to call in”. “They’re doing well”, Jack assured her, “Tasha is being discharged tomorrow and Nathan’s coming along in leaps and bounds. They’ll both be back at work before we know it. Now, “ he added, glancing at his watch, “it’s really time I headed back to the surgery”. “Catch you later”, said George heading off in the direction of Nathan’s ward. Jack made his way out of the hospital, stopping at the hospital shop to buy flowers for Helen. He felt sick whenever he thought of how the explosion at Riverside might have turned out. He might have lost his beloved Helen and the thought of his life without her in it, was more than he could bear. He made his way across the car park and saw, to his dismay, that someone was leaning on his car waiting for him, and that someone was Ria. to be continued..............
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Post by PamA on May 1, 2005 15:00:18 GMT 1
Part 2
Jack took a deep breath. He was desperately tired and reluctant to face yet another confrontation with Ria. As he walked towards, he found himself reflecting on their marriage. She was a beautiful woman; there was no doubt about that. It had been her looks that had first attracted him, her looks and the air of confidence that she exuded. At first they had been blissfully happy. She was everything Jack had ever dreamed of in a wife: a friend, companion and lover. It was only after their second daughter was born that the cracks in their relationship had started to show. Small things at first, Ria questioning every moment that Jack was out of her sight, jealousy at the time he spent with patients, even sharp rebukes if he glanced at another woman. In the end Jack had been forced into making the decision to leave her for the sake of his sanity and the welfare of his children. It worried him that they should be constantly hearing the bitter words that flew between their parents, or witness the violent streak that sometimes emerged in their mother when she threw objects across the room at him. He couldn’t seem to escape her though. Ria was always there and always would be. Like it or not he had to communicate with her when it came to matters of access to the children, and the children had become her weapon in the fight to keep him apart from Helen. As he neared her, he felt the familiar tension take hold of him. What did she want now? Why oh why, could she not leave him alone?
“Jack”, to his surprise she was actually smiling at him, the look of anger that had been her constant expression of the past year had vanished, “Jack”, she repeated his name, “we need to talk”.
Even as Jack said, “I’m listening”, he found himself surreptitiously examining the bodywork of his car, searching for any signs of damage.
“I know you’re going to find this difficult to believe”, Ria said, “but I want to apologise for all I’ve put you through”. Jack didn’t reply, but merely raised his eyebrows, a look of incredulity crossing his face.
“It was the fire, the explosion, you know”, Ria continued, “I suddenly realised that you could have died in that and what would I have been left with but memories of a man who’d come to despise my very existence. I don’t want that Jack; for the sake of the girls I don’t want that. So I just want to say I’m sorry for all I’ve put you and Helen through”.
“Are you serious?” Jack was finding it hard to believe that Ria could have had such a swift change of heart.
“I mean every word. Marry your Helen and be happy”. With those parting words, Ria moved away. Jack followed her and grabbing her arm and pulling her round to face him said, “If this a joke.....”.
“It’s not”, said Ria, “Get on with your life. That’s what I intend to do”.
to be continued..........
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Post by PamA on May 2, 2005 14:10:28 GMT 1
Part 3
“Are you sure you can trust her?” Helen asked. Jack had told her all about the conversation in the car park and Helen had listened attentively. “I’m not sure”, Jack replied, “but, to be honest she seemed genuine enough. Maybe the explosion really did shake her up a bit. Things like that can really make people re-evaluate their lives you know”. “This is Ria we’re talking about!” Helen said sarcastically. “I mean, she’s never exactly been so accommodating before”. “As far as I can see we have two options. Either we believe her and get on with our lives, or we live in constant fear of what she’s going to do next. Which do you prefer?” Helen sighed. “You’re right I suppose. Maybe we should give her the benefit of the doubt and hope for the best. Right now, though, I have a more pressing problem to contend with”. Jack looked worried and asked her anxiously, “What might that be?” Helen laughingly replied, “Where on earth am I going to find another vase for these flowers you brought”. As she spoke she glanced around the room at the numerous bunches of flowers he’d already given her since their release from hospital. “It’s like a florist shop in here. No more flowers Jack, I mean it”. Playfully she smacked him on the hand and added “Or Helen is going to get really cross with you”. “Yes please”, Jack replied, “I like it when you’re angry. Your eyes really flash and it’s oh so sexy”. With a smile lighting up her face Helen made for the kitchen. Jack followed. "Helen", he said, "let's not wait. Let's get married as soon as we can". "You mean strike while the iron's hot and Ria 's in a good mood, don't you?" "Yes I do. But it's also because I love you so much and I want to be with you all the time and I know you feel the same". Jack gazed intently at Helen's face as she turned towards him. What was her reply going to be? "But there's so much to arrange Jack. I mean how soon are you talking about?" "We don't need to have a big wedding, you know that. Just you, me , a couple of witnesses and our children. Say yes, please Helen, say yes". "Alright. Whenever you want", Helen replied a slow smile spreading across her face, "You're right. We don't need a huge do, but I would like a few more guests and perhaps a meal at a restaurant or something like that". "Helen you won't regret it I promise you". Jack took her in his arms and, holding her close, whispered in her ear, "I do so love you Helen Thompson, so very much and I promise you a day to remember". Little did Jack realise that it certainly was going to be a day they would remember but not for the reasons he had in mind. to be continued.........
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Post by PamA on May 4, 2005 16:16:43 GMT 1
Part 4
“There, you look absolutely stunning”. George looked approvingly at Helen’s reflection in the mirror as she finished pinning the last rosebud in Helen’s hair. Helen stood up and did a little twirl. “Yes, you’ll do”, George smiled, “Jack will be bowled over”. For her wedding outfit, Helen had chosen a simple cream sleeveless dress, over which she wore a cream lace jacket that fitted in tightly at the waist. A splash of colour came from the deep, pink rosebuds George had carefully inserted at strategic points in her hair. They served a double purpose. Not only did they add colour but also held her hair in place. George had fashioned Helen’s hair into a loose chignon that looked both elegant and sexy and set off the outfit to perfection. “Do you think Jack will approve?” Helen asked, picking up a small posy of pink roses, the exact same colour of those in her hair. “There’s something seriously wrong with him if he doesn’t. You really do look stunning, Helen, honestly”, George reassured her. Claire came bounding into the room. “Sarah’s here Mummy. I saw her car pull up”. “Well, you’d better go and let her in”, Helen smiled at Claire’s retreating back. “I’m so glad that the children are happy about Jack and I, and thankfully they did get on well with Jack’s girls last weekend otherwise I don’t know what I’d have done”. “Still married him I hope”, George said laughingly. “Do you know”, Helen said, “I’m not that sure I would have gone ahead if the children hadn’t been happy with the situation”. “My don’t you look a picture”. Sarah came into the room, a broad smile on her face as she looked at Helen standing there. “Look what I have got for you”, with a flourish Sarah pulled from her handbag a blue garter. “It belonged to my Mum so, I thought, it’s old, borrowed and blue. She wants it back by the way”, Sarah added as she passed it to Helen. “I hadn’t given much thought to tradition,” Helen said as she pulled the garter up over her knee, “Thank your mother very much. It’s very kind of her”. “Now, “ Sarah continued, “it’s time to get these two of to the registry office. Come on Claire let’s get your brother and get going. See you there Helen”. Sarah and Claire headed out of the bedroom and minutes later Helen and George heard the front door shut and Sarah’s car pull away, to be followed, moments later, by the sound of another call pulling up. George looked out of the window. “It’s Mac”, she told Helen, “Time to go”. Helen and George made their way to Mac's car, and once they were comfortably installed Mac turned to them. "Julia's not coming I'm afraid. Being out on bail and all the worry of going to court, well, you know, she just can't face being with people. The strain on her is terrific. She sends her apologies". continued......
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Post by PamA on May 4, 2005 16:17:59 GMT 1
Part 4 continued... Helen assured him that it didn't matter. She was relieved Mac was there, such an old friend, and given the choice she would have loved Kate to be present, but that was not possible. "Anyway", she thought to herself, "it's the getting married that counts. Me and Jack for ever." Ben and Faith were waiting on the steps of the registry office when the car pulled up. "Sarah and the kids have gone inside", Faith told, "Jack and Ronnie aren't here yet". "There cutting it a bit fine, aren't they?" Mac said, looking at his watch. "Oh, I'm sure they'll be here any minute", Ben reassured Helen who was looking a little anxious. "Yes", George agreed, "Ronnie was almost late for his own wedding ! Perhaps Jack would have been better off asking someone with a sense of time to be best man". "Maybe we should go inside and wait", Mac suggested, "It's a little chilly out here". The five of them made their way into the building to where Sarah stood with Daniel and Claire. "Why don't I give Ronnie a ring and find out where they are?" George asked, "There's no point. I'm sure they'll be here any minute", Helen replied, looking anxiously towards the door. "Why look, there's Ronnie's car now", she said excitedly, and sighed with relief as she walked towards the entrance. She stopped, suddenly aware that Ronnie was alone. No sign of Jack. Puzzled she ran towards Ronnie, "Where is he? Where's Jack?" she asked frantically. Ronnie took her by the arms. "I'm sorry Helen. I went to pick him up and there was no sign of him". George put her arm around Helen's shoulders. "I'm sure there's an explanation. Something must have happened". "There's more", Ronnie said. "When he didn't come to the door I went round the back to see if there was any sign of him. The back door was open and I went in. There looked to have been some kind of struggle in the living room. I've called the police. They're there now. I'm sorry Helen, but it doesn't look good". "What do you mean? What aren't you telling me?" Helen asked, the strain already showing on her pale features. "Well, there's no easy way of saying this", Ronnie said, looking ill at ease, "there was blood on the floor but no sign at all of Jack". to be continued......
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Post by PamA on May 15, 2005 15:15:11 GMT 1
Part 5
The morning had started quite normally for Jack. Cereal and toast for breakfast, a cup of coffee while he read the newspaper, followed by a hot shower and a shave. He’d dressed casually in jeans and sweatshirt and checked, once more, that the shirt he was to wear for the wedding was totally wrinkle free. His buttonhole sat in a glass of drinking water on his bedside table, a deep pink rose to match those in Helen’s bouquet. Now all that was left was to wait for Ria to drop the girls off. He was expecting them at 10 o’clock and had planned to spend a little time with them before Ronnie came to collect them. He’d asked Ronnie to arrive at about 11 o’clock so that he, Jack, would have plenty of time to change. The ceremony was at noon and Jack was determined that he would be there before Helen. He longed for that moment when she would step out of Mac’s car and he would see her in the wedding outfit that had been such a closely guarded secret. He smiled to himself, as he remembered his discreet attempts to get George to give him even the smallest hint of what Helen would wear. “Like a child,” he thought to himself, “that’s what Helen has done to me. Released my inner child!” He chuckled, thinking of how so many who knew him would laugh at the thought of Jack Ford behaving in a childish manner. It was a little after 10 when the doorbell rang. Jack had begun to pace the living room floor, convinced that something had gone wrong, that Ria had changed her mind. He let out an audible sigh as he went to the front door, determined that he would not let Ria spoil this day, determined that he would not embark on an argument the moment he set eyes on her. “Where are the girls?” he asked, surprised to see Ria standing there alone. “I’m so sorry Jack,” Ria said, a look of anguish on her face, “but they’re not coming”. “What do you mean they’re not coming?” Jack replied, too stunned to be angry. “I thought I’d best come and explain face to face,” Ria continued, “it’s been an absolute nightmare.” “What has? What are you talking about? Has something happened to them?” Jack was getting more and more concerned. “Ria”, he continued, grasping the top of her arms, “Are they alright? Please God, let them be alright”. “Of course they’re alright”, Ria said, “Why shouldn’t they be?” “Then why aren’t they coming?” Jack was starting to feel more than a little suspicious of Ria's motives for not bringing the girls, to what was such an important day for him. "Oh, Jack, you are such an innocent sometimes", Ria pulled herself away from Jack's grip, "Did you really think that you and your tarty little blonde were going to go off into the sunset and live happily ever after? I really believe you did. No Jack, that's the nightmare, thinking of you two together when you should be with me. You have to face it, it's me - me you really want to be with!" Jack looked at Ria, the expression on his face one of incredulity. How could he have let himself be taken in by her? He admitted to himself that it was because he so longed for her to have changed, to have become accustomed to the thought that he would marry his beloved Helen, that he had allowed himself to believe every lie she told him. "Ria", he said, in a strangely calm voice, "I don't want you. I don't love you and whether you like it or not I am going to marry Helen. Tell me where the girls are and I will go and get them myself". "You really think I'm going to tell you", Ria laughed,"Jack, you're not going anywhere, and you're most certainly not going to get the girls or get married. You're going to stay right here". And saying that, Ria pulled from her bag a knife and pointed it in Jack's direction.
to be continued.......
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Post by PamA on May 18, 2005 22:21:54 GMT 1
Part 6
For a moment Jack was too shocked to react. He stood so still and so silent it was as if the whole world had paused along with him. The sound of traffic in the distance, the barking of a dog, even the ticking of the clock on the wall just behind Jack’s head. seemed to fade into oblivion. Jack could seem to do no more than shake his head in disbelief at this sudden turn of events. He’d been aware that Ria was disturbed for some time, but it had never occurred to him that she was disturbed enough to actually threaten him in such a dramatic manner. “For God’s sake Ria”, he exclaimed as the reality of the situation sank in and he was able to motivate himself to speak, “give me that.” He moved towards her, his hand outstretched. “Please Ria”, he continued, “give me the knife.” “Don’t”, Ria said, “don’t come any closer or I promise you I won’t hesitate to use it. I mean it Jack. You will not marry that woman. I won’t let you.” “Ria”, Jack pleaded, “just put it down and go home.” Ria looked at him. A smile spread across her face. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” she said, “Well that’s not going to happen. I’m sorry Jack, your wedding is most definitely off!” “Ronnie will be here soon. Then what will you do?” “Ronnie, coming here, why?” Ria’s demeanour changed to one of panic. It had not occurred to her that Jack would be expecting company. “He’s my best man. He’s coming to pick me up to take me to the registry office. Come on Ria,” Jack said sternly, “you’re making a fool of yourself. Stop it right now and give me that knife.” As he spoke he moved closer, slowly at first and then with a sudden burst of speed. Ria waved the knife in his face and he backed away slightly, afraid that in her demented state she would harm him. "Enough, Ria," he shouted, "that's enough." His shouting was like a burst of adrenalin coursing through his body, and suddenly he found himself hurtling toward Ria. He grabbed her wrist, trying desperately to force her to drop the knife. They struggled. Ria seemed to have superhuman strength. Finally, though, the knife dropped from her hand. She screamed, an almost unearthly sound, and lunged at Jack clawing at his face with her long finger nails. As he put his hands up to protect his face, Ria knelt down and picked up the knife and before Jack could do anything to stop her, she plunged it into his shoulder.
to be continued.....
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Post by PamA on May 21, 2005 15:16:29 GMT 1
Part 7
Jack stared in shock first at Ria and then down at the handle of the knife that protruded from his right shoulder. Ria, too, was looking at the knife, and the look on her face was one of complete disbelief that she had actually stabbed him. Her hand went to her mouth. “Oh, my God. What have I done?” Her voice, as she spoke, was little more than a whisper and then, to Jack’s horror, she reached forward and pulled the knife out even as he weakly said, “Leave it there, Ria, for God’s sake leave it there”. Jack had known, even in his weakened and shocked state, that to remove the knife would possibly lead to a massive bleed. It did. Blood began to liberally pour out of the wound and Jack clapped his hand to the spot in a futile attempt to staunch the flow. “Call an ambulance Ria. Quickly. And get a towel or something, anything to put on this.” Ria, after a brief glimpse around the living room headed in the direction of the bathroom and was soon back with a pristine white towel. Jack snatched it from her and held it as tightly as he could against the wound. “We have to tie it on somehow,” he said, “to keep up the pressure. The ambulance, did you call an ambulance?” Jack was starting to feel the affect of the blood loss. He was light-headed and felt that if he didn’t sit down he was likely to fall down in a faint. “I’ll take you”, Ria said, “I’ll take you to St. Phil’s. It will be quicker than waiting for an ambulance. Where’s your car key Jack? We need to get going.” Jack pointed vaguely in the direction of the wall unit. He was beginning to feel disorientated and, in this state, was unable to argue with Ria or make her see the sense of waiting for an ambulance. Stupidly he thought of his car and how much he didn’t want blood all over the seats. He thought of Helen, soon to be waiting at the Registry Office, preparing for her big day even now, and he wondered who would let her know, that this day they’d planned for so long was not going to happen. “Here they are!” Ria exclaimed, picking up the keys, “Put you’re arm round my shoulder. I’ll help you out to the car”. Slowly they made their way to the door, Jack clutching the now red towel as tightly as he could, leaning on Ria who seemed to have acquired superhuman strength. The walk to his car seemed to take forever. Jack slowly dragging one foot in front of the other, Ria encouraging him and muttering words of platitude each time it seemed he could go no further. Finally they were there and Ria helped Jack into the front passenger seat before making her way to the driver’s side. They had been driving for some time before Jack even in his confused state, realised they were going in the wrong direction for the hospital. Weakly he challenged Ria, “Where are you going?” He took a deep breath before continuing, “ The hospital’s the other way”. The effort of speaking was almost too much and he fell weakly back against the car seat. “You know something Jack,” Ria said mockingly, “ you really are a complete fool. Did you really think I was going to take you to St. Phil’s? You did, didn’t you?” Ria laughed. “I told you that I wouldn’t see you marry that tart. Why didn’t you believe me? We could have done it the easy way Jack, but now, well, it may be a bit messy but I promise you we’ll be together forever more.” As she spoke, Ria put her foot down hard on the accelerator. They were on a long stretch of open road, lined either side with mature trees. Even as Jack cried out, “Don’t Ria!” she turned the steering wheel sharply and headed the car towards the trees. All that Jack was aware of was the terrifying crunch of metal as the car and the tree met in a headlong crash. to be continued.........
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Post by PamA on May 23, 2005 12:51:50 GMT 1
Part 8
Much against everyone’s wishes, Helen insisted on going back to her own home. She had eventually agreed that George and Ronnie could go with her; the children were to go with their aunt, Helen’s sister Louise. Claire had cried. She didn’t fully understand what was happening, but the hushed voices and the shocked look on her mother’s face were enough to tell her that something bad had happened. Several times she’d asked where Jack was and what was happening, only to be told to be quiet and not ask questions. She had reluctantly climbed into Louise’s car after George had given her a hug and told her not to worry, everything would be all right. “But would it?” George asked herself as she waved to the children as they were driven away. She looked at her friend. There was something so poignant about the sight of Helen all dressed up in her bridal outfit, still clutching her flowers as if, even now, the wedding would still go ahead. It was almost as if Helen either hadn’t really taken in Ronnie’s words or was in a state of denial, unable to accept that something serious may have happened to her beloved Jack. George led Helen to Ronnie’s car, holding her arm as if she were unable to walk unaided. As they drove away Helen cast one backwards glance at the Registry Office, then turned and faced the road ahead.
Back at Helen’s house George watched anxiously as Helen made her way upstairs to her bedroom. “What are you going to do Helen?” she asked, unsure of whether she should follow her friend. Helen paused, and turning to face George said sarcastically, “I’m going to change out of these clothes. What did you think I was going to do?” “Do you need a hand?” George asked pretending not to notice the way Helen had spoken to her. For a moment Helen stood there in silence then, with the saddest of smiles upon her face, said, “No, I’ll be fine on my own. I’m not going to do anything stupid George, I promise”. “I never said you would.” George reassured her. “Now why don’t I make us all a nice cup of tea?” “That would be good”, Helen replied and without further comment made her way to her bedroom. She appeared in the kitchen just as George was about to pour the tea. She’d dressed simply in a pair of cream, linen trousers and a red silk shirt, the latter seeming to highlight the paleness of her face. “Here,” George said, handing Helen her tea, “let’s go and sit in comfort.” They went through to Helen’s spacious sitting room and sat down in armchairs facing each other. For a while they sat in silence, sipping the hot tea until Helen, letting out a little sob, said, “Where is he George? Where’s Jack?” “I don’t know”, George replied, “I wish I did”. George stared down into her teacup as if the answer to the mystery of Jack’s whereabouts would be revealed in her tea. “Ronnie’s gone to the police station. Maybe he’ll have some news. You know, there could be a perfectly innocent explanation". George said hopefully. "Such as?" Helen asked, looking at George in expectation. "I don't know", George was forced to concede, "but I don't think we should be too negative". A ring at the doorbell shattered the silence of the house. "I'll go." George said, putting her cup down on the coffee table and making her way to the door. Helen could scarcely breathe, as she sat waiting tensely for George to reappear, and when she did, with Ronnie and Greg in tow, she knew immediatley, by the look on their faces, that the news wasn't good.
to be continued......
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Post by PamA on May 27, 2005 17:46:22 GMT 1
Part 9
George stood up, and walking over to Helen sat on the arm of her chair. Helen sat, as still as a statue, anxiously waiting to hear Ronnie and Greg’s news. George put her arm around Helen’s shoulders. “What’s happened?” she asked, looking from one to the other, “Will one of you please tell us what’s happened.” “Greg will tell you”, Ronnie said, throwing Greg an encouraging look. “It’s like this”, Greg began, “ the police were called out to a major accident this morning. A car had ploughed into a tree and, well, there’s no easy way to say this Helen, it was Jack’s car. They ran a check on the license plate and recognised Jack’s name. I was at the station when the news came through. I offered to come and tell you”. “How bad is he?” George asked. “Is he going to be alright?” “It’s pretty serious.” Greg answered, “Helen, there’s something else you need to know. He wasn’t alone. He wasn’t even driving.” Helen looked at Greg. “Who was with him?” she asked, the tone of her voice indicating how baffled she felt. “Look, what is going on?” George said, her voice slightly raised. “First of all, there’s signs of a struggle at his place and some blood on the floor, now you tell us he’s been involved in an accident in his car and that someone else was driving!” “We’re not sure about anything at the moment.” Ronnie said quietly, “From the description it sounds like it may have been Ria driving.” “Ria!” George and Helen exclaimed in unison, looking at each other in astonishment. “What the hell was Ria doing driving Jack’s car?” asked George. “Never mind that,” Helen said, “What about Jack? You haven’t told us how he is.” A sudden calmness seemed to have descended on her, as if, no matter what happened she would be all right, she had to be all right. “I don’t know the full extent of his injuries,” Greg explained, “I came here as soon as I could. I knew you’d be worried.” “We need to get to the hospital,” Ronnie said, “We’ll find out there”.
The drive to the hospital took less than 15 minutes, but for Helen it seemed like a lifetime. Her mind was filled with the different scenarios she might find when she got there: Jack waiting for her in reception, a smile on his face, full of explanations and apologies, Jack lying on a hospital bed, covered in wires and tubes, fighting for his life, or Jack lying on a slab in the hospital mortuary, his life extinguished. By the time they walked through the hospital doors Helen felt physically sick with fear. She clung to George’s arm, looking fearfully towards where Greg was speaking to the A & E receptionist. Greg walked over to them. “He’s gone up to the ward already.” “Did she tell you anything about his condition?” George asked. “No. We’ll find out when we get there.” Greg ushered them towards the lifts. “He’s in one of the side wards off men’s surgical. Ah, here’s the lift. Come on”. It didn’t take them long to locate Jack. He lay in the bed looking deathly white. Two drips were in his arm, one delivering blood and the other fluids. His chest and shoulder were heavily bandaged and his left arm was in a cast that ran from elbow to wrist. Helen ran to the side of the bed. "Oh Jack", she said, her voice little more than a whisper, "thank God you're alive." Jack didn't stir. A nurse entered the room, closely followed by a white coated doctor. "Helen", the doctor said," I'm so sorry. I hear you were meant to be getting married today." "How bad is he?" Helen asked. "From the crash he got off surprisingly lightly. Broke his arm probably protecting his face from the impact. Other than that he got a few minor cuts and bruises. The real damage came from the stab wound in his right shoulder." "Stab wound!" Helen cried. "What do you mean stab wound?" "He had a deep, penetrative stab wound from which he'd bled profusely. He'd lost a great deal of blood. Helen, he's very weak." The doctor laid his hand on Helen's shoulder, "We'll do everything we can but it really is going to be touch and go." Helen was aware of George asking after Ria and the doctor replying, "She suffered a serious head injury and is in intensive care. It's quite likely she won't make it." Helen swung round to face them, "Good," she said, "she deserves to die, for what she's done to Jack she deserves everything she gets!" Her outburst was like a catalyst for her emotions. Even as the last words left her lips the tears began to flow and her shoulders shook with the force of her sobs.
to be continued...........
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